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Musicians, comedians, and poets unite: Open mic nights around Indy

Whether you’re looking to test out some new music or start working toward your Netflix standup special, here are a few spots around town where you can take the stage.

INDYtoday: INDY_Irving Theater open mic night_MAR24

Irving Theater hosts acoustic-only open mic nights every Monday.

Photo by @ramediallc

Tap tap... *mic screech*

Whether your idea of a fun night out is working on your “tight five,” playing your newest original song, showing off your Shakespearean sonnets, or simply enjoying the show from the audience, here are open mic nights all over Indy you can check out.

Just for laughs

Fountain Square Brew Co. | Every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.
Not a joke: During comedy open mic night, pints are $5. Pro tip: The brewery hosts events (like karaoke and game night) most nights of the week, so follow along on Instagram for the lineup.

Helium Comedy Club | Select Tuesdays, 8 p.m.
Sign-ups for three-minute sets typically open on Thursday the week before the event and end 24 hours later. The club gets more than 100 sign-ups every week, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get chosen right away.

We all just wanna be big rockstars

The Red Lion Grog House | Every Wednesday, 7-10 p.m.
Treat yourself after your feat of bravery with some fish and chips or bangers and mash.

Books and Brews | Every Thursday, 7-11 p.m.
Acts are allowed three songs or a 15-minute set. Poetry or storytelling is also welcome, and all material must be family-friendly. Bonus: The space also hosts open jam sessions for musicians of all skill levels every Monday starting at 3 p.m.

INDYtoday: INDY_Indy Reads poetry open mic night dance_MAR24

Indy Read’s open mic nights welcome poets, prose writers, musicians, and even dancers.

Photo by @indyreadsorg

Write on

Indy Reads | Second Saturday of each month, 4-7 p.m.
The first hour of this monthly gathering is reserved for an open writers’ workshop. Afterward, all are welcome to take the stage and share their poetry.

Irving Theater | Every Thursday, 7-9 p.m.
Local poets are invited to share original pieces on the historic stage (or outdoors on the deck in nice weather). The theater also hosts an open mic night for original acoustic music every Monday from 7 to 10 p.m.

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